Sold September 2015 Back to Archive

A new build Ruston Proctor 3 ton SD tractor - a diminutive class of three engines, none of which survived into preservation. This engine was complete in 2014 and has been steamed half a dozen times since - it remains in as-new condition.

Steel boiler with expanded tubes, 150 psi working pressure, feed by twin injectors. Ramsbottom type safety valves. Cast iron cylinder with slide valve actuated by Stephenson's gear with pole reverser, mechanical lubricator.

Three shaft, two speed transmission with vulcanised rubber tyres, differential behind nearside rear wheel with fairleads on tender.

The engine has been built to a high standard, finished in two pack black paint and lined out by signwriting supremo Adam Meredith of Bristol (he does our Staffords as well). High gear carries a slightly higher ratio than standard, giving the engine a good turn of speed on the road without the crankshaft disappearing in a blur. Great attention has been paid to producing an accurate replica, from the builder's and instruction plates cast from originals, to the brass lubricator lids which required purpose-made press tooling to produce the correct shape.

An easy engine to drive single handed, I find it equally comfortable either standing or sitting on the cast iron seat, cleverly mounted on a locking pivot mount allowing it to be swung out of the way for mounting and dismounting. The chimney is quickly detachable by removing a pair of threaded retainers in the smokebox allowing the engine to be stored in an ordinary garage. The overall size and modest weight - around four tons ready to go - allows the engine to be transported on a small lorry, without the expense of a low loader.

There's some video of the engine running around yesterday afternoon here.

Overall length 11' 8"
Height to top of chimney 8' 4"
Width across rear wheels 5'0"